The history of the Polish Cultural Association from 1974 to 1993 and its successor, the Polish American Association from 1993 to 2003.
by Tom Duszak
Tony Topolski and Charles Pliszka founded the Polish Cultural Association of Harrisburg in 1975. The two men met by coincidence in 1974 at the United Republic Life Insurance Building. Tony Topolski engaged Pliszka in a conversation about their Polish heritage and the lack of an organized Polish presence in south-central Pennsylvania.
Neither was a native Pole. Topolski was from Shamokin and Pliszka grew up in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia. Their vision was to build a Polish center in Harrisburg to promote the knowledge of Polish culture. Topolski was particularly interested in developing a knowledge of Polonia among youth.
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The History of Wigilia in Harrisburg by Tom Duszak
The Wigilia is the traditional Christmas meatless meal preceded by the sharing of the Christmas wafer called oplatek. Wigilia is served on Christmas Eve before the Pasterka, the Shepherd’s Mass.
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The History of Swięconka by Tom Duszak
The exact translation of the Polish word for Easter (“Wielkanoc”) is Great Night.
“Święconka” is the Polish word for the blessing of food on Holy Saturday (“Wielka Sobota”). “Święcona”, although similar in spelling, means something different. “Święcona” is the Easter breakfast. The Polish American Association of Harrisburg – combines the celebration of these Easter customs at its annual celebration. The blessing of the food always precedes the meal.
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The History of Kościuszko and Puławski Dinners by Tom Duszak
The association’s first Kosciuszko – Washington dinner dance was held at the Embers Convention Center in Carlisle during the presidency of Ron Skubecz on Saturday, February 5, 1983. Eleanore (Dzienkiewicz) Kolasheski, who with her husband owned the Rekord Printing and Publishing Company in Shamokin, was the dinner speaker.
Proceeds were used to subsidize the club’s aid to Poland fund.
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